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Friday, November 19, 2010

Living in the NW I don't get a white Christmas very often (though they are predicting snow for next week--and I am not sure if I want to cross my fingers for snow, or for no snow. I do have to do some Thanksgiving traveling), so I decided this year I am going to make my Christmas decor a little more "white". For years my Christmas decorating has focused on red, white, silver and glass with a loose snowflake theme. And while I still love all that stuff and will likely use a lot of it in my living room, I am going to go a little more soft and natural in my family room, where all my decor is soft and natural. Here is a peek at last year's decor. . .

All this getting ready for Christmas and making ornaments in October has given me the bug to decorate a little early. And if my blog browsing is any indication, I am not alone. I have gotten ideas here and there and two days ago inspiration for my banister struck. A quick sketch and a little effort (including a trip to my yard to clips some greenery) and my banister came to life:

I seriously love all the creams and whites in contrast with the greenery and the black stair rail and picture frames.

I have recently seen a lot of various paper garlands and was excited to try my own. . .

And I am sure she is not the only one making these, but Christa, of Chloe Rose, is selling the prettiest little rag ornaments that inspired mine. I spied them at Camas Antiques. I LOVE her stuff.

What I really like about this style is how well it goes with my furniture and decor. . . and my dog! (who needs a bath and a hair cut).

I don't think I will get sick of it as quickly as the traditional style Christmas decor. . .

Which is a good thing since I am starting early. Although, with Thanksgiving next week it's not that early. . .

And since I have only done the banister and planted my paperwhites, I still have a lot of decorating to do. Speaking of paperwhites. . .

(Do you like my new table? I just need to make slipcovers for the chairs now--paperwhites are planted in the pitchers and chamber pot)

I plant them every year in early November so they will bloom over Christmas. I love the extra added something that fresh flowers give and their crisp whiteness adds so much to all my other decorations.

I ordered them online this year, in October, to get a better deal so I could plant more. I also ordered two snowball amaryllis that I can't wait to see bloom.

You might have noticed my swag didn't actually reach the entire length of the banister. It's close, but I want to decorate the rail along the hall upstairs also, so I better get back to work. Especially if I want to make extras to put in the shop!

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comments:

I'm popping over from Brenda's Cozy Little House. Your banister is lovely with the swags and greenery. Love the framed pieces along the stairwell and your puppy is so very cute. This type of decorating fits right in with your style so it seems very natural and not over the top Christmasy at all. Hope you are having a great weekend :) Tammy

I typically like a lot of color. But I must admit, seeing all the naturals has made me want to decorate for the holidays in a more subtle palette. This is simply beautiful! I may just keep going back and gazing at it over and over again! You did a fantastic job!Brenda

Your house is GORGEOUS, and your pup, absolutely adorable. What breed is he? I ask because we have our little Brody who is a mix between shih-tzu and poodle, is your dog similar? I'm following you now, great blog!

Stop by One Fine Wire if you get a chance, I'd love to see you there!www.finewire.blogspot.com